Credit crunch `fuelling ill health`

The economic downturn is taking its toll on people's health with nearly two-thirds of Britons saying they are more stressed and prone to illness than they were three years ago, research has showed.

Concerns about the economy, rising food and fuel prices, and the impact of the credit crunch have combined to leave 37% of people worrying more, while 19% say they are sleeping less and 15% claim they are working longer hours.

At the same time 56% of people are now buying cheaper food in a bid to cut costs, with 15% cutting back on fresh fruit and vegetables.

One in five people have also reduced the amount they spend in the gym, according to insurer Friends Provident and the Blood Pressure Association.

Around 7% of people said they were now drinking more alcohol than before the credit crunch first hit, and 9% think this will be the case during the coming six months.

Stress caused by the economic situation has also driven 6% of people to start smoking.

Mark Jones, head of protection at Friends Provident, said: "The credit crunch appears to be having serious ramifications.

"Lifestyle changes, poor diet and lack of exercise in particular, can have a negative effect on people's blood pressure and consequently their long-term health."

The research comes at the beginning of the Blood Pressure Association's Know Your Numbers Week, during which it offers free blood pressure checks.

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